Overview

Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton has pledged his allegiance to the newly elected commander of the rebel force, George Washington. But his heart belongs to fiery Elizabeth Howard, the beautiful daughter of Loyalists who, as the elusive courier Oriole, charms British officers by day and by night delivers their secrets to the Sons of Liberty. When General Washington arrives in Cambridge to take command of the American forces, he orders Carleton to undertake a perilous journey deep into Indian territory while ...

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Overview

Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton has pledged his allegiance to the newly elected commander of the rebel force, George Washington. But his heart belongs to fiery Elizabeth Howard, the beautiful daughter of Loyalists who, as the elusive courier Oriole, charms British officers by day and by night delivers their secrets to the Sons of Liberty. When General Washington arrives in Cambridge to take command of the American forces, he orders Carleton to undertake a perilous journey deep into Indian territory while Elizabeth continues to spy on the British in Boston. But as she expands her connections within Loyalist circles and gains access to the intelligence Washington so desperately needs, she receives news that far out in the wilderness Carleton has been captured by the Seneca. Despite all attempts to find him, his fate remains cloaked in mystery. In the summer of 1776, the war moves to New York, where British General William Howe prepares to unleash an overwhelming invasion force against Washington’s badly outmatched army at Brooklyn Heights. And gradually reports begin to filter back from the western frontiers that a new war chief has arisen among the Shawnee, a canny warrior named White Eagle who is leading devastating raids against both British and American outposts on the frontier.

What People Are Saying

From the Publisher

“J. M. Hochstetler strikes again! Native Son picks up where Daughter of Liberty left off and doesn’t let go of the reader even beyond the last word on the last page. Ms. Hochstetler has crafted a story full of intrigue, romance, and heart-racing action, all woven around the most accurately portrayed historical events and settings this reader has ever seen. Her characters—main and secondary—come alive on the page and stay with the reader long after the book is over. The spiritual conflict is both touching and challenging. J. M. Hochstetler is a skilled author whose style engages and allows the reader to get lost in 1775 . . . and makes me want to beg for more! I can’t wait to read the next installment.” —Kaye Dacus, author of The Ransome Trilogy “I read Daughter of Liberty a year ago and thought J. M. Hochstetler brought American history to life in that book. I hoped at the time she’d write a novel about every major battle in the American Revolution. I got my wish in Native Son, but not quite the way I expected. Hochstetler introduced me to a fascinating aspect of the revolution here, and I’d say more except I don’t want to give away too much of the first book. If you haven’t read that book, I highly recommend you read the series in order. I loved the glimpse into the lives of George Washington as he built his guerrilla forces into a fighting army, and the names and actions of the factual British Generals, intermixed with the fictionalized daring of our heroes. Fiction like this is a great, fun way to teach history.” —Mary Connealy, author of the Kincaid Brides Series “Native Son is an amazing and intricately woven sequel to Daughter of Liberty. . . . The author sucked me right into 1775 and I felt like I was living in a dangerous world?a cross between The Patriot and The Last of the Mohicans. Unlike many historicals, this one doesn’t gloss over the elements of the era, and feels authentic right down to the horrors of war. Temptations experienced by characters are not smoothed over and, in fact, add to the tension and beauty of the story. The different cultures are expertly contrasted, and you feel Carleton’s pain over having to choose, especially being a wanted man on all sides. This well-written novel had me up late and sitting on the edge of my seat, plucked at my heartstrings, then held me captive standing at the finish line, begging for more. This author is changing the face of historical fiction!” —Michelle Sutton, author of Letting Go

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

“I found it refreshingly honest and devoid of religious platitudes and cliche. Passages of Native American spirituality struck me with beauty and authenticity, affirming the universality of common truth. Heartbreaking and brutal at times, Carleton’s journey in particular resonated with me. His battle to retain faith in the midst of personal, political, physical and total upheaval left an impression as few other stories have—challenging my own conventions, foundations and moral bedrock.

“As the first in the series Daughter of Liberty was, this is a wealth of research and regional history. From the southwestern New York border where much of the book was set, I recognized and appreciated the veracity and intimacy of her details in native custom, flora, fauna and people. Almost Michener-esque in scope, this is a historical fiction piece worthy of note.” —Kathleen L. Maher

“Ms. Hochstetler’s prose is exquisite, her imagery breathtaking, her research impeccable and her story heart-wrenching. As the sequel to Daughter of Liberty, this story is even richer in drama and anguish than the first and certainly challenges Ms. Hochstetler to surpass these first two books in her next novel. Even if it “only” equals what is already written, it will be a superb piece of writing. . . . If there is a film producer looking for the next North/South series to mesmerize American TV audiences, adapting this series can do it.” —Bonnie Toews

“Native Son is an intensely moving story, impeccably researched and excellently written. It is an intricate look into some aspects of the birth of our nation, and the struggles and temptations faced by two unforgettable characters. J. M. Hochstetler expertly weaves a tale of historical fiction with a romance that must survive the trials and dangers of the times. Outstanding!” —Erika Osborn, Christian Book Previews.com

“Native Son is not only meticulously researched, but is an engaging story as well. J. M. Hochstetler has taken a thrilling time in American history and made it come alive with living, breathing characters that a reader can cheer onward. Native Son gets four stars and two thumbs up!” —Craig Hart, craighart.net

“Tense moments abound in this tale of intrigue, adventure and romance set against the compelling backdrop of the birth of a nation.” —Romantic Times BookClub

"Imagine the movie The Patriot meets Last of the Mohicans and that’s what you have in Native Son. This book is extremely well-written, fast paced and engaging. Ms. Hochstetler’s knowledge of the various Indian tribes’ customs and daily living is quite amazing and intriguing. The faith message is powerful but deftly woven into the story in a realistic way. Readers will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this exciting series." —Vickie McDonough, Dancing Word Reviews

Dancing Word Reviews
- Vickie McDonough

This book is extremely well-written, fast paced and engaging. Ms. Hochstetler’s knowledge of the various Indian tribes’ customs and daily living is quite amazing and intriguing. The faith message is powerful but deftly woven into the story in a realistic way. Readers will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this exciting series.

Christian Book Previews
- Mary Connealy

Hochstetler introduced me to a fascinating aspect of the revolution here and I’d say more except I don’t want to give away too much of the first book. If you haven’t read that book, I highly recommend you read the series in order.

I loved the glimpse into the lives of George Washington as he built his guerrilla forces into a fighting army, and the names and actions of the British Generals, intermixed with the fictionalized daring of our heroes. Fiction like this is

Christian Book Previews
- Erica Osburn

Native Son is an intensely moving story, impeccably researched and excellently written. It is an intricate look into some aspects of the birth of our nation, and the struggles and temptations faced by two unforgettable characters. J. M. Hochstetler expertly weaves a tale of historical fiction with a romance that must survive the trials and dangers of the times. Outstanding!

Novel Journey
- Erin Valentine

As with Daughter of Liberty, I am once again struck by the ability of Hochstetler to paint honest, even-handed portraits of people at war. She uses the keen eye of a historian to develop truthful relationships and concerns. This novel goes beyond the fighting in the colonies and travels into the lands of the Iroquois, Seneca, and Shawnee Indians, illustrating the author's obvious comprehension of a community both noble and brutal.

Vickie McDonough

This book is extremely well-written, fast paced and engaging. Ms. Hochstetler’s knowledge of the various Indian tribes’ customs and daily living is quite amazing and intriguing. The faith message is powerful but deftly woven into the story in a realistic way. Readers will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this exciting series.

Mary Connealy

Hochstetler introduced me to a fascinating aspect of the revolution here and I’d say more except I don’t want to give away too much of the first book. If you haven’t read that book, I highly recommend you read the series in order.

I loved the glimpse into the lives of George Washington as he built his guerrilla forces into a fighting army, and the names and actions of the British Generals, intermixed with the fictionalized daring of our heroes. Fiction like this is

Erica Osburn

Native Son is an intensely moving story, impeccably researched and excellently written. It is an intricate look into some aspects of the birth of our nation, and the struggles and temptations faced by two unforgettable characters. J. M. Hochstetler expertly weaves a tale of historical fiction with a romance that must survive the trials and dangers of the times. Outstanding!

Erin Valentine

As with Daughter of Liberty, I am once again struck by the ability of Hochstetler to paint honest, even-handed portraits of people at war. She uses the keen eye of a historian to develop truthful relationships and concerns. This novel goes beyond the fighting in the colonies and travels into the lands of the Iroquois, Seneca, and Shawnee Indians, illustrating the author's obvious comprehension of a community both noble and brutal.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781936438099

Publisher: Sheaf House Publishers, LLC

Publication date: 2/2/2012

Edition number: 2

Pages: 368

Sales rank: 919,053

Product dimensions: 6.00 (w) x 8.80 (h) x 1.10 (d)

Meet the Author

J. M. Hochstetler is the daughter of Mennonite farmers. A graduate of Indiana University, she is the author of the American Patriot Series set during the American Revolution. Her contemporary novel One Holy Night was the Christian Small Publishers 2009 Book of the Year and finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Book of the Year. Formerly an associate editor with Abingdon Press, she is the publisher and editorial director of Sheaf House Publishers.

Read an Excerpt

“No chance to get away to see Beth tonight either, I take it,” Major Charles Andrews ventured.

Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton threw his aide a brooding look as he urged his bay stallion forward, farther out of earshot of the riders trailing down the road behind them. It was nearing two o’clock, Sunday, July 2, 1775. Pulling off his wide-brimmed slouch hat, he wiped his brow with the back of his gloved hand before settling it back on his head with a jerk.

“We’ll undoubtedly be tied up with the generals until late.”

Andrews pulled his mount alongside Carleton’s. “I thought you’d break away yesterday when we stopped at Watertown to meet with the Provincial Congress.”

Carleton shook his head in frustration. “The General insisted I attend him. But I mean to see Beth tonight, even if it’s past midnight before we get there.”

“Washington has kept you on a short rein ever since we met him in New York.”

“All to your credit, Charles. If you hadn’t felt obliged to share every minute detail of my arrest and imminent hanging, we’d have been in Roxbury days ago.”

“It’s a good thing the General is being cautious,” Andrews countered. “If Isaiah hadn’t been on the alert on the road to New York, Gage’s agents would have us aboard ship to England by now, trussed up like a covey of Christmas geese.”

“And thank you for contributing a report on that little incident too,” Carleton returned sourly. “You managed to persuade Washington that the price Gage has put on my head—and on yours—will prove too tempting for someone whose need for cold coin is greater than his allegiance to the cause of liberty.”

Andrews returned a grin. “I’m a small fish. It’s you Gage wants. Considering the reward he’s offering, he obviously means to exact revenge for his humiliation at your hands. After all, you did pluck him clean of all the intelligence the Committee of Safety could have hoped for—while nestled sweetly in the general’s bosom.”

Carleton’s face clouded. “That’s what I despise about this. I should never have allowed myself to be persuaded to take on such a dishonorable role.”

“But spying in time of war is an ancient and necessary profession—even a biblical one. Don’t forget the twelve Hebrews who spied out the land of Canaan for Moses.”

“Yes, and because they listened to the ten who had no faith instead of the two who trusted God, the children of Israel wandered in the desert for the next forty years,” Carleton responded with a short laugh. “May our country not be so unfortunate.”

With each step, the horses’ hooves plopped deep into the muddy road. The day was hot and humid following an early morning rain, and thunderclouds were again building overhead. At ground level, the rising wind stirred the trees that shouldered each other along the road’s edge and drove patches of shadow and sun across the low, wooded hills four miles from Boston Harbor.

“I hate to admit it, but in this beastly heat and humidity these buckskins are not as comfortable as our new uniforms would have been. And it occurs to me—too late, as usual—that we’d make a better impression on Ward and his staff in full regalia than in Indian dress.”

Andrews surveyed Carleton’s leather hunting shirt, leggings, and moccasins that matched his own. “I’m surprised to hear you say it,” he retorted with a smile. “I’ve not observed that you’re often overly concerned about making an impression, favorable or not.”

Carleton struggled to adopt a wounded expression. “Now, Charles, you hardly know me at all if you can say such a thing. Besides, the New Englanders are already suspicious enough of us Southerners being foisted on them without their having any say in the matter. And you know full well how reluctant I always am to add fuel to a fire.”

Andrews snorted. “I can imagine what they’ll think if your former connection to the Shawnee comes out. But, at any rate, it’s a tad late to transform ourselves into proper officers now. We’ll have to bear their disapprobation with fortitude.”

“I’d as soon arrive in war paint with my head shaved,” Carleton growled, turning serious. “Let them think we’re true savages, and maybe they’ll mend their ways. But then, I’ve never been renowned for being exceptionally politic.”

“That’s an understatement, my friend. And speaking of diplomacy, how much have you told the General about you and Beth?”

Carleton grimaced. “Too deuced much, I fear. He seemed extraordinarily interested in Beth’s role as spy and smuggler for the Sons of Liberty. But when I mentioned our intent to marry, he changed the subject rather abruptly.”

Andrews raised an eyebrow. “You think he opposes your plans?”

His mouth tightening, Carleton turned in the saddle to measure the distance to the officers who rode at a leisurely pace behind them. All except their commander appeared too involved in conversation to pay him and Andrews much attention. As Carleton’s glance met his, however, Washington spurred his stallion forward.

“I suspect I’ll soon find out,” Carleton said in an undertone as Washington closed the distance between them.

First Chapter

Native Son Copyright 2005 by J. M. Hochstetler Requests for information should be addressed to:
Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Hochstetler, J. M.
Native son / J. M. Hochstetler.
p. cm.—(American patriot series ; bk. 2)
ISBN-10: 0-310-25257-1 (softcover)
ISBN-13: 978-0-310-25257-3 (softcover)
1. United States—History—Revolution, 1775—1783—Fiction. I. Title.
PS3608.O28N38 2005
813'.6—dc22
2005003532
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the King James Version.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy,
recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.
Published in association with Hartline Literary Agency, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
15235.
Interior design by Michelle Espinoza Printed in the United States of America
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 /?DCI/ 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Chapter 1
'No chance to get away to see Beth tonight, I take it,' Major Charles Andrews ventured.
Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton threw his aide a brooding look as he urged his bay stallion forward, farther out of earshot of the riders trailing down the road behind them. It was nearing two o'clock,
Sunday, July 2, 1775. Pulling off his wide-brimmed slouch hat, he wiped his brow with the back of his gloved hand before settling it back on his head with a jerk.
'We'll undoubtedly be tied up with the generals until late.'
Andrews pulled his mount alongside Carleton's. 'I thought you'd break away yesterday when we stopped at Watertown to meet with the Provincial Congress.'
Carleton shook his head in frustration. 'The General insisted I stay. But I intend to see Beth tonight, even if it's past midnight before we get there.'
'Washington has kept you on a short rein ever since we met him in New York.'
'All to your credit, Charles. If you hadn't felt obliged to share every minute detail of my arrest and imminent hanging, we'd have been in Roxbury days ago.'
'It's a good thing the General is being cautious,' Andrews countered.
'If Isaiah hadn't been on the alert on the road to New York, Gage's agents would have us aboard ship to England by now, trussed up like a covey of Christmas geese.'
'And thank you for contributing a report on that little incident too,' Carleton returned sourly. 'You managed to persuade Washington that the price Gage has put on my head—and on yours—will prove too tempting for someone whose need for cold coin is greater than his allegiance to the cause of liberty.'
Andrews returned a grin. 'I'm a small fish. It's you Gage wants.
Considering the reward he's offering, he obviously means to exact revenge for his humiliation at your hands. After all, you did pluck him clean of all the intelligence the Committee of Safety could have hoped for—while nestled sweetly in the General's bosom.'
Carleton's face clouded. 'That's what I despise about this. I should never have allowed myself to be persuaded to take on such a dishonorable role.'
'But spying in time of war is an ancient and necessary profession—
even a biblical one. Don't forget the twelve Hebrews who spied out the land of Canaan for Moses.'
'Yes, and because they listened to the ten who had no faith instead of the two who trusted God, the children of Israel wandered in the desert for the next forty years,' Carleton responded with a short laugh.
The day was hot and humid following an early morning rain. Lazy wisps of cloud drifting inland from the ocean dotted the cerulean sky overhead. At ground level, between the low, wooded hills four miles from Boston Harbor, the breeze barely stirred the trees that shouldered each other along the road's edge, and each plop of the horses' hooves onto the sandy soil kicked a plume of gritty dust into the air.
'I hate to admit it, but in this heat these buckskins are no more comfortable than our new uniforms would have been. And it occurs to me they'd make a better impression on Ward and his staff than Indian dress.'
Andrews surveyed Carleton's dusty leather hunting shirt, leggings,
and moccasins that matched his own. 'You're undoubtedly right.
They're already suspicious enough of you southerners being foisted on them without their having any say in the matter. I can imagine what they'll think if your former connection to the Shawnee comes out. But,
alas, it's a tad late to transform ourselves into proper officers now.'
'I'd as soon arrive in war paint with my head shaved,' Carleton growled. 'Let them think we're true savages, and maybe they'll mend their ways. But then, I've never been renowned for being exceptionally politic.'
'That's an understatement, my friend. And speaking of diplomacy,
how much have you told the General about you and Beth?'
Carleton grimaced. 'Too deuced much, I fear. He seemed extraordinarily interested in Beth's role as spy and smuggler for the Sons of Liberty. But when I mentioned our intent to marry, he changed the subject rather abruptly.'
Andrews raised an eyebrow. 'Do you think he opposes your plans?'
His mouth tightening, Carleton turned in the saddle to measure the distance to the officers who rode at a leisurely pace behind them.
All except their commander appeared too involved in conversation to pay him and Andrews much attention. As Carleton's glance met his,
however, Washington spurred his stallion forward.
'I suspect I'll soon find out,' Carleton said in an undertone as Washington closed the distance between them.
Both officers saluted as the newly elected commander of the Continental Army drew up beside them. Forty-three years old, with auburn hair and grey-blue eyes that smoldered with an inner fire, General George Washington exuded an immense physical energy that was both intimidating and highly attractive. A born horseman, powerful in build despite narrow, sloping shoulders, he possessed a natural charm that equally drew men and women to him.
On occasion, however, Carleton had witnessed the prodigious temper that lay beneath that charm. Most of the time it was clamped under iron control, but it was a force Washington had learned how to unleash to the greatest effect when other means failed to motivate those under his authority.
Studying his commander, Carleton harbored no doubt that the Continental Congress had chosen the right man for the difficult and delicate responsibility of molding into an effective fighting force the undisciplined and often contentious militia units besieging Boston.
Considering the conflicts between the various factions in the Congress,
he was confident the choice had resulted from much more than a merely human decision born of political considerations.
'I expect you are impatient to call on that young lady of yours,'
Washington observed.
Carleton forced a smile. 'Indeed, I am. Miss Howard and I—'
'Unfortunately, I am going to need you at Cambridge until late,'
Washington cut him off. 'We have urgent business to settle with Ward and his staff before any of us will be free to attend to personal interests.'
Carleton felt Washington's penetrating gaze on him, but deliberately did not meet it. Keeping his expression and tone carefully neutral,
he said, 'I wait upon your convenience, sir.'
Frowning, he stared along the curve of the road that stretched before them to the small town of Cambridge, currently the center of the rebel army besieging Boston and its garrison of British troops commanded by Lieutenant General Thomas Gage, commander in chief of His Majesty's armies in North America. To their right, the land sloped to the banks of the Charles River, where the knee-deep grasses had

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Customer Reviews

Anonymous

Posted August 29, 2008

Great Historical!

Native Son was just as good as the first book in the series, Daughter of Liberty. The characters are the kind you think about long after the book is done because they are complex and extraordinary. The twists and turns in the plot kept me turning pages until the very end. Then, I was immediately trying to find out when the next book was scheduled for release. Great book!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted January 16, 2006

Intriguing sequel

J. M. Hochstetler¿s second book in the American Patriot Series, Native Son, draws readers into the compelling first chapter. Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton meets with George Washington to discuss the patriot troops¿ readiness for war against trained British soldiers. Meanwhile, doctor¿s assistant Elizabeth Howard ties down a wounded man and helps the doctor amputate the man¿s gangrenous leg to save his life. As a patriot spy working in a Tory hospital, Elizabeth faces constant danger of discovery. Although Jonathan and Elizabeth determine to marry at the earliest opportunity, circumstances and General Washington¿s orders conspire to separate them. Carleton heads into Indian Territory, while Elizabeth stays behind. They believe God has inspired their commitment to the Patriot cause, but as the separation stretches to months, each struggles with how it will affect their relationship. When Carleton¿s negotiations with several Indian tribes turn sour, the Mohawks take him prisoner. Elizabeth wonders at Carleton¿s fate as time passes with no word from him. As she continues her work, one of the men helping her discovers her true role and threatens to expose her as a spy. Faced with danger at every turn, both Elizabeth and Carleton draw strength from the God they trust. But will it be enough as the pressures they face slowly change each of them and each continues to wonder about the fate of the other? Native Son holds as much historical detail as the first book in the series, Daughter of Liberty. However, Hochstetler¿s clear writing and obvious research make both books intriguing reads. The detail in the medical scenes is exquisite and gave me an eye-opening understanding of Revolutionary War-era amputation and medical care. Fascinating details also enhance the scenes in which the Mohawks hold Carleton prisoner and in later scenes when he lives with the Delaware Indians. Although Carleton and Elizabeth spend most of the book separated by many miles and different cultures, the strength of both characters easily carries the book. For fans of historicals, this series is a must. Watch for Hochstetler¿s third book in the American Patriot series.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted June 29, 2006

Even better than the first!

Native Son is the second book in author J.M. Hochstetler¿s The American Patriot Series, and is every bit as magnificently composed as the first--if not more so. Picking up where Daughter of Liberty left off, Native Son reprises the suspenseful setting and believable characters of book one and indelibly seals the heart of the reader to the author¿s work. With Patriot¿s identity exposed and a huge price on his head, he is no longer of any use to the Revolutionaries as a spy¿but his previous experience living with a tribe of Native Americans qualifies him for an even more dangerous assignment. Oriole, however, has not yet been exposed and therefore must remain behind to continue gathering intelligence for General Washington and his troops. The intertwining of these two stories keeps readers riveted to their seats from the first page to the last¿and anxiously awaiting book three.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted July 26, 2005

Wonderfully detailed historical novel

Native Son is a wonderfully detailed novel from a historian more than skilled in the craft of writing fiction! Hochstetler weaves a rich, descriptive tale with characters that practically leap off the page. The second in a series preceded by 'Daughter of Liberty,' readers join Jonathan Carleton and Elizabeth Howard in further adventures and spiritual growth as they fill their respective roles in the fight for freedom. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Elizabeth's spy missions for General Washington and the sons of Liberty, as well as Carleton's foray back into the Native American culture. As the fight for freedom escalates and the stakes continue to rise, readers will find themselves unable to stop turning the page. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted September 2, 2005

An exciting journey into our nation's history!

Native Son, the second book of The American Patriot Series, continues the saga of Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton and the woman who has stolen his heart, Elizabeth Howard. Each have pledged their allegiance to General George Washington. Elizabeth¿s spy mission sends her gathering information among the Loyalists while Jonathan¿s orders send him deep into Indian Territory. When Elizabeth learns Jonathan has been captured by the Indians, she tries desperately to gain information about the man she loves. Unable to learn of Jonathan¿s fate, she is forced to continue life with the uncertainty of whether or not he is alive. Jonathan¿s life changes drastically when he becomes a slave to the tribe who captured him. He must endure decisions that put him in battle against the people to whom he has pledged his allegiance. Native Son is an excellent portrayal of both sides of the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Hochstetler¿s riveting historical tale goes a step further and takes the reader to another side¿the suffering of the Native Americans during this chapter of our nation¿s history.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted June 8, 2005

Great read!

Loved it! What a terrific mix of history and storytelling! Real events in our nation¿s history come to life as you follow the wonderful storyline and fall in love with the characters. Native Son contains every bit the action and intrigue you loved in Daughter of Liberty, the first book in the series, with the romance between the hero and heroine deepening, then undergoing a test as their paths take them separate directions for a while. I can¿t wait for the next book in the series.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted August 3, 2005

Another home run from Hochstetler!

Hochstetler has done it again, crafting a riveting story around our nation¿s history in a page-turner that both entertains and educates. The characters of Elizabeth and Jonathan are deeply embedded in my heart and soul now, such that I dreaded reading the last page knowing how long I must wait for the next book in this series! I¿m amazed at the attention to detail and setting that literally filled my senses with the sights, smells, and feel of this era. These, along with actual historical figures whose stories are perfectly woven into this fictional account, make this one of those rare books that stays with you long after you finish reading it. Years ago, as a sixth grader, I read Harold Keith¿s Rifles for Watie, a historical novel that first taught me about the Civil War from a human perspective. Forty years later, I¿ve never forgotten that book and that story, and I credit it with my life-long passion for history. In the same way, I believe this American Patriot series by J.M. Hochstetler (Daughter of Liberty and now Native Son) would make excellent teaching tools, making this part of our history come alive for students of all ages. Outstanding! My only complaint is the pending wait for Book 3!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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I love this author....she sucks you right in to 1775

Native Son is an amazing and intricately woven sequel to Daughter of Liberty. Words can't describe how pleased I am with this book. I will give it my best shot, though it will still be sorely understated. The plot is accurate and carries you along like a swift current, the characters are distinct and engaging and you want to see them find healing and happiness. The end leaves you begging for more., though I won't spoil it for you by giving it away. I read a lot of historical fiction both ABA and CBA and this story ranks as number 1 on my list of favorites. The author sucked me right into 1775 and I felt like I was living in a dangerous world--a cross between The Patriot and The Last of the Mohicans. The attention to detail illustrates what a gifted historian the author is. Unlike many historicals, this one doesn't gloss over the elements of the era, and feels authentic right down to the horrors of war. The spiritual element is a natural part of the story. It's very believable and practical without sounding preachy. Temptations experienced by characters are not smoothed over and in fact, add to the tension and beauty of the story. The different cultures are expertly contrasted and you feel Carleton's pain over having to choose, especially being a wanted man on all sides. What can I say? This well-written novel sucked me in, had me up late and sitting on the edge of my seat, plucked at my heartstrings, then held me captive standing at the finish line, begging for more. This author has what it takes! If you choose to read Native Son, it will be worth your while all around.

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Re-acquainting Americans with their Roots

Following "Daughter of Liberty," George Washington, commander of the American Forces separates Elizabeth Howard and Jonathan Carleton when he asks Elizabeth to resume spying against the British in Boston, while he promotes Jonathan to Brigadier General and orders him on a secret mission to recruit Shawnee Indians to raid British outposts just as reinforced British troops amass to invade New York.

J.M. Hochstetler takes us in her time machine and transforms poster-stamp names in history, such as George Washington, John Hancock or Samuel Adams, into real characters we can see, hear and at times even smell, like or dislike depending on their moods or deeds. She helps readers reconnect to the "pluck" that built her nation's love of freedom and independent enterprise. In these difficult economic times, Americans need to be reminded of the resourcefulness and courage of their forebears, of the united spirit that rescued them from poverty and tyranny, and to show them that once again they can rise to overcome oppressive conditions.

This fictional trilogy set in the American Revolution is not only a thoroughly entertaining Five-Star read but also belongs in every library across the country, especially from middle schools to universities. As required reading, it would certainly make history the exciting study it truly is and give back to Americans pride in their heritage.

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